Why Poetry?

“…because truly being here is so much; because everything here apparently needs us, this fleeting world, which in some strange way keeps calling to us…Perhaps we are here in order to say: house, bridge, fountain, gate, pitcher, fruit-tree, window—…”

As Rilke says, perhaps by naming what we see, feel, and experience we find meaning and connect with the greater world around us. In all ages is the urge to communicate with others and to find our place with the unknown mysteries of life. Poetry allows me occasional access to “the place beyond words” that I use words to point towards. And when it is running through me, this water of being, I write for the joy of participating and the hope of learning something new. If my words then touch others I am rewarded a second time.

Light passes through orbital bone, socket of eye, the world her child sees but doesn’t yet know, masses outside the gate.

from Cartography

“I have worked with Suzanne in the care of her child and have been impressed with her ability to articulate her emotional and intellectual journey through the various stages of her daughter’s illness. I have heard and read her poetry – it is absolutely amazing and speaks to angst that both parents and clinicians share when caring for children with serious, complex illnesses where there is no ‘right answer’ for the best treatment. I believe Suzanne’s insights have a positive and reassuring influence on healing and self-care for parents and provides medical professionals insight into the parent’s world.”